Warren Dunes State Park: Michigan Camping Guide
Visiting Warren Dunes State Park
Towering sandy dunes and an impressive 3 mile stretch of Lake Michigan await for those visiting Warren Dunes State Park. In the Southwest corner of Michigan lies a perfect spot for a quick beach getaway. This beautiful state park is located in Sawyer, Michigan, which is only 1.5 hours from Chicago and Grand Rapids. You’ll love experiencing diving into the salt free waters of Lake Michigan, scaling Tower Hill, and taking in the views of the sublime sunsets.
Another perk of Warren Dunes State Park is they have a great camping area for those that want to be surrounded by nature. If you don’t want to camp, you can visit for the day or easily find nearby accommodations for whatever level of comfort you desire. We’ve got all the details and dreamy sunset pictures to help make planning your next trip a breeze, just like the refreshing winds blowing off Lake Michigan.
Why We Love it!
Large designated Dog Beach Area
Sandy beach area & sand dunes to climb
Stunning sunsets
6 miles of trails with a mix of hardwoods, picturesque dune formations and views of Lake Michigan
Easily visit several nearby towns including New Buffalo, Union Pier, Bridgman, & St. Joe.
The rangers offer activities for the explorer guide program, including stargazing nights, guided hikes, and Michigan Folklore storytelling around the campfire.
Highlights of Warren Dunes State Park
This unique location on Lake Michigan creates a wide variety of outdoor activities and fun things to do at Warren Dunes State Park. Here’s a list of things to do at Warren Dunes State Park during your visit.
Sandy Lake Michigan Beach
Warren Dunes Beach Hours: 8am -10pm
Warren Dunes State Park has a sandy stretch of narrow beach that is 3 miles long. Your toes will love the the soft white sugary sand and, thankfully, you do not need water shoes. The sand is a pretty hue with a small strip of colorful mixed pebbles and stones the closer you get to shore. The beach area by the parking lot can get crowded but if you go farther out by the dog beach it’s less congested.
Rangers patrol often
Alcohol is not permitted.
In Mid August water temps were 71 and were perfect for a day of swimming.
Bathroom Facilities are located on site.
3 Miles of Sandy Beach at Warren Dunes State Park
The Beach is quite a far distance from the campground so its advisable to drive the 3 miles to the parking lot.
The parking lot is huge, so after leaving the campground there is more then enough room to park your camper for the day and enjoy more beach time.
Food Trucks offer a variety of food options or you can bring your coolers and picnic blankets.
Kayaks and paddleboards rentals are available on the beach.
SAFETY Waves and undertows can be strong so always heed the buoys and check the Warren Dunes Facebook page for the daily conditions, red flags, wave height and water temperatures. Heed warnings, which are there for your protection. Lake Michigan waters can be dangerous. During our stay, 3 individuals need to be rescued, sadly one drowned. So be hyper vigilante, especially with young children.
Dog Beach Area
A large designated dog beach area stretches out on the North end for pet owners. Head to the far North parking lot to easily access the dog pathway, there are signs posted to guide you. Remember dogs need to be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
TIP On the far edge of the dog beach area there are a couple perfect tree spots for hanging hammocks in the foredunes!
Beach Combing
We thoroughly enjoyed searching for sea glass and a colorful array of rocks during our stay at Warren Dunes State Park. The sand is soft with a small ridge of colorful stones at the rack line just as you enter the water. We had the best luck on the far end of the dog beach area, where the hiking trails exit. Rock hounds will love this secluded area.
Explore the Creek
There is a creek that runs into the lake at the South end of the beach area (one to the north too but it’s a hike). It’s a fun place to creek walk and explore the area along the banks.
Climb Sand Dunes
Kids love climbing the sand dunes at Warren Dunes
Theses picturesque dunes formations along Lake Michigan were caused from melting glacier ice thousands of years ago and are a highlight of the park.
View from the top of Tower Hill
Tower Hill
Tower Hill is a fun, albeit challenging climb. It’s a blast racing down the steep incline. The peak gives you a great overview of the Lake Michigan and the Parking area. Don’t want to make the trek, just sit at the base and watch all the face plants of people running helter-skelter down the dunes!
TIP Bring socks or shoes for walking on the dunes and beach when the sand is hot, hot, hot!
Hiking Trails
Trails at Warren Dunes State Park
If you enjoy hiking, Warren Woods is an absolute must. Beautiful trails wind through a mix of towering hardwoods and sandy foredune paths that lead to the stunning Lake Michigan shoreline. It’s one of the few old growth areas left in Michigan. Six miles of trails on the Northern side wind through the state park. So pack your hiking shoes or athletic footwear.
TIP Throw a camping hammock in your pack and set up along the far side of the dog beach foredunes for an amazing view of Lake Michigan.
Mt. Randall Loop
If you’re up for a challenge, hike the four-mile trek, mostly ascending to the top of Mount Randall.
Trailhead: We gained access at the Southern loop of the campground, trailer marker 3-1. There’s a trail between campsite 35 and 37 that will take you to the backside of the dunes. You’ll cross over a little bridge and go to the left. Before you get to the dune (you can’t miss it) there’s a trail to the right that you can hike to the beach that’s through the woods.
After scaling the steep 780 foot climb you will reach the top of Mt. Randall and be rewarded with gorgeous views and great photo opportunities. Spend time enjoying the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.
Photo opportunity at the top of Mt. Randall Loop at Warren Dunes State Park
Additional Hiking Trails
Trailheads Park at Floral Lane. To access the Trailheads, walk down a paved road until you see signs marking the trail numbers. A large sign for Warren Dunes State Park marks the start of the trail to the beach.
We hiked 9-8-13–14-to Lake Michigan. This hilly hike with a mix of forested trails and sandy terrain through the foredunes, opens up to steep dune climbs and the secluded Lake Michigan shoreline on the far South end of the dog area. It’s definitely worth the trek! We loved played on the beach, searching for sea glass and rocks. Kids especially loved scrabbling up the sand dunes and racing down. We then hiked out the Blue Jay Trail 14-7- 8 -9.
TIP Where your swim suits and have a refreshing dip while you enjoy this lovely stretch of beach to yourself.
Modern Playground
Located in the Mt. Randall campground loops are 2 identical modern playgrounds. Children will love the small play structure with 2 slides and monkey bars, plus a little sand box.
Modern Playground at Warren Dunes
Each playground is located next to the bathhouses and modern restrooms. Soft sand creates a cushion underneath the playground for little ones while playing.
Stargazing
Grab lawn chairs or spread out a blanket and lay on your back to take in the starry night sky above. Rangers put on stargazing programs on the beach on select nights. They also provide telescopes to look through. Check out the many explorer park programs offered. A favorite night program was listening to Michigan folklore at the beach with the bonfire crackling and sun setting.
Wildlife
During an early morning bike ride, whilst the campground was still sleeping, my daughter and I ventured out for an early morning bike ride. We were elated to have 6 deer, including 3 spotted fawns with their mamas cross our paths. Other animals we spotted were wild turkeys, rabbits chipmunks, and squirrels.
Beware of Raccoons These bold creatures our fearless and will steal your food in daylight, of course, at night too. Unfortunately this unwelcome night guest got into our garbage and made quite the mess.
Wildlife is abundant at Warren Dunes State Park.
TIP Make sure to properly dispose of all garbage to keep the critters away.
Birding is a popular activity at this state park, since it was built on a migratory path. Bring your binoculars and keep your eyes open for sightings of songbirds, seagulls, woodpeckers, swans and hawks.
Boating & Paddling on Lake Michigan
Paddle till your heart is content on beautiful Lake Michigan. Don’t have your own equipment? The beach offers rentals for kayaking and paddleboards, which are available from mid-May through Labor Day.
If you’re boating the closest ports are at New Buffalo and St Joseph.
Cost to Enter State Park
Entrance to a Michigan State Park requires a Recreation Passport. Michigan residents can purchase a yearly pass for $13.00 with their vehicle registration. There's a $5 convenience fee (except for Belle Isle Park) when the Recreation Passport is not purchased at the time of your license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Non residents can purchase a daily pass for $11 and an annual pass for $40 as of 1/1/24.
Where to Stay /Accommodations
Warren Dunes is situated near several inviting towns that offer accommodations. Looking for cozy cabins, bed and breakfasts or hotels with pools make sure to check out the best deals at Bookings.com
Among the Vineyards Bed & Breakfast
Located in nearby Baroda Michigan ( 15minutes away) is a lovely bed and breakfast situated along the Lake Michigan Wine Trail. An ideal spot for those that love wineries, u-pick orchards, and the beach.
Enjoy Harbour country in nearby Lakeside, Michigan ( 10 minutes away) which provides guests a relaxing stay at this historic inn with a semi- private beach. They also host murder mystery events throughout the year. (dog-friendly)
This cozy bed and breakfast provides charm and offers suites with private baths, comfortable surroundings and a delicious breakfast. Conveniently located only 15 minutes away in Three Oaks.
Additional Nearby Lodging Options
Camping at Warren Dunes State Park
There are 3 campground loops with over 220 campsites. For reference we camped in the Mt. Randall loop in site 150, as a family of 6 in a 27ft travel trailer. Other family members camped in a large RV.
Mt. Randall Campground ( modern campsites with electric hookup, modern restrooms & playgrounds)
Mt. Randall campground is divided into two loops. The sites all back up to wooded areas. The tent sites are a bit shallower. As a whole the campground sites have large mature trees that provide shade and spots for hammocks. Here is the online campground map to help familiarize yourself with the layout.
There are also a number of pathways that cut through the woods allowing quicker access through the campground to the bathrooms and playground. My children, especially loved the short hilly trails for biking by the playground/ restroom.
Select sites closer to the entrance if you have a big 5th wheel since turns can be tight on the inside sites.
Hildebrandt Campground (rustic with 4 vault toilets.) Large wooded spacious & shady sites with good pockets of privacy. Although some sites are by the main road, there is a tree line barrier but some road noise from Red Arrow Hwy can be heard.
Mini Cabins The state campground doesn’t only have campground sites, they also have 2 mini cabins available.
Sites are similar to Fort Custer, Sleepy Hollow and Hoffmaster with tall trees, where you’re in your own little pocket.
Amenities
Sanitation station with potable, non-potable water, and sewage dumping.
Modern restrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers (Mt. Randall Loop)
Electric hook up
A large family shower/ restroom which has a handicap accessible bench.
Picnic tables and fire rings at each site.
Good cell reception
Campground host did activities with the kids
Volleyball nets
2 Playgrounds
Large covered pavilions
TIPS The trail from the camp ground to the beach is long with lots of twists & turns and tree limbs. Recommend driving to the beach unless you’re up for a hike.
Other Nearby Campgrounds
Sometimes it can be hard to secure sites at this popular state park. (Generally reservations need to be made 6 months in advance). Luckily there is a variety of additional campground options in the area.
Van Buren State Park in South Haven
PROS/ CONS of Warren Dunes State Park
No Michigan park is perfect. Here is a simple list of pros and cons to help you make a decision if this is the right campground for your family.
CONS
Beach can be quite crowded
During certain times of the year, due to the Oak trees gypsy moth caterpillars are everywhere and their poop can be a nuisance
Can be a long wait to get into the park beach on the weekends
Raccoons will steal your smores right from your campsite
Dry Campground (no alcohol permitted) and rangers patrol often and strictly enforce rules
Restricted public beach hours 8am -10pm
Beach is a long ways from campground (3 miles)
Dune Climb at Warren Dunes State Park
PROS
Kids love climbing the big dunes
Dog-friendly
Easy access to nearby restaurants. activities, and food trucks at the beach
The sites were wooded with mature trees providing decent shade, sites back up to woods, although there was minimal vegetation separating the sites on each side.
Facilities were clean.
About 40 state parks have Explorer Guides who lead programs. Mike is a fabulous ranger that is great with kids and families. Here's the link for the nature guide schedules.
Camp store has basic supplies and souvenirs
The parking lot is huge so, after we leave the campground there is more then enough room to park there (with trailer) for the day and enjoy more beach time.
Good cell reception
Tips for Visiting Warren Dunes State Park
Drive to beach since its an extremely long walk
When you first arrive, check out schedule for the available programming at the Explorer guide schedules
Take time to explore the trails
Beware of the raccoons
Bring socks and shoes if climbing the dunes on hot days.
New Buffalo has a great 4th of July fireworks right on the beach. Looking for additional places to camp for the 4th of July, check out The Best Places to Camp in Michigan During the 4th of July.
What to Pack
Beach Toys Bring all your coolers, beach toys and chairs for a day at the beach.
Bikes Having bikes is a nice way to get around the campground. One nice feature of the park is that there were cut through paths in the woods behind the sites to make it more convenient to navigate throughout the campground.
Nearby Activities
Nearby visit the great towns of Sawyer, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, and Bridgman that offer a host of activity options. Here are some of the best things to do in Sawyer, Michigan when you visit Warren Dunes State Park. If you have time visit the farmers market, Sawyer Home and Garden Center, and delicious restaurants and coffee shops.
Red Arrow Highway Cruise for a long soothing drive in Southwestern Michigan along the Red Arrow Highway. This 21 mile famous road stretches from New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Sawyer, Bridgman to Stevensville.
Sarrett Nature Center In Benton Harbor hike the trails and participate in one of the many nature programs offered
Captain Mike's Fun Park. Across the highway you can find go-karts, putt putt golf, batting cages, and and a game room.
Weko Beach This nearby beach has a smaller crowd, trees for shade, concessions and stairways to take up some of the dunes for gorgeous views.
Sawyer Garden Center Plants & gardening supplies plus a market selling produce, gourmet foods, wine, gifts & housewares.
Curious Kid’s Museum If it’s raining, check out the museum in St. Joe, or get wet in the giant splash pad and grab Silver Beach Pizza.
Visit Indiana Dunes Take a day trip and visit Indiana Dunes, which has a Visitors Center and art trail.
Nearby Restaurants
Infusco Coffee Roasters Start your day off right. Stopping at this amazing coffee shop is a must!
Beach Bucket No camping trip is complete without some ice cream. Across the street from the State Park you’ll be delighted by endless options of ice cream. The Beach Bucket has over 60 flavors of Michigan made Mooville ice cream. The lemon poppyseed is my favorite!
Roma Grab pizza to go and make your life easy on your first night at the campground with delicious pizza from Roma.
Farmers Market at Skips restaurant down the road from there sat/sun & its a nice little outing for the family.
Staymaker & Journeyman Distillery In Three Oaks stop for some Amazing food and cocktails and their well known whiskey.
Harbert Swedish Bakery Pick up delectable breads and sweet treats from the bakery.
Capozio's Craving some filling Italian or pizza in a casual setting head to Capozio’s.
Greenbush Brewing in Sawyer If you like beer, Most of them serve food, have outdoor seating and are dog friendly!
Stray Dog While relaxing on the rooftop get your fill of eats and drinks in New Buffalo and finish at Oinks for ice cream.
Navajo A great place to have a sandwich or a dinner. Located just a couple miles north of Warren Dunes.
Red Arrow Roadhouse In Union Pier you can enjoy delicious food, try the Rib Mac or Fish Tacos.
Wineries There are options for several wineries in the area including Lemon Creek, Dablon, and Domain. In Baroda there is a winery trail that stretches from Round Barn Estates to Tabor Hill that will allow you to stroll along drink in hand.
FAQ’s
How is the Cell Reception/ Wifi at Warren Dunes? Cell service and Wifi was good throughout the park.
Trails at Warren Dunes
Are dogs allowed at Warren Dunes? Yes, dogs are allowed at the large designated dog beach, campground and trails on a 6 foot leash.
Is there fishing at Warren Dunes? Yes, but it is difficult due to the waves and there is no pier to cast from.
Can you grill at Warren Dunes? No, grilling at the beach area
Can you bring alcohol at Warren Dunes? No alcohol is permitted or glass containers
Can you have a campfire at Warren Dunes? Yes, at the designated campfire rings at the campground. Do not leave fires unattended.
Which is better Van Buren vs Warren Dunes? The beach is bigger at Warren Dunes and has a giant dune that kids love to climb. Whereas, Van Buren has awesome bike trails and a better camping area. At Warren Dunes, depending on where your campsite is located, you can get some road noise from the Red Arrow Hwy.
Final Thoughts
With an abundance of outdoor activities and the beauty of the Great Lakes, visiting Warren Dunes State Park is bound to be a memorable experience. As you plan your vacation to this beautiful destination in Michigan, make sure to Pin and Save for later and share with a friend. If you found this helpful, follow Discovering Anew for more campground reviews and Michigan adventures. We’re constantly producing new content and strive to create honest reviews to help make planning your next trip easier. From our family to yours. HAPPY CAMPING!
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